Shimkus, a seven-term congressman, wasn’t planning on having a primary battle for the 19th district either. He’s run unopposed since 1996, but after the walkout incident his political armor may have been cracked. The stunt ended up on late night political talk shows and galvanized the opposition by making him the subject of a national fundraising effort.

Tim Bagwell, who's running on the Democratic ticket for the 19th district said he thinks the event might have helped his chances.